An elite Italian soccer coach resigned from his job with an emotional letter where he opened up about his mental health struggles

• Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli has resigned amid struggles with his mental health.
• The 63-year-old penned an emotional letter in which he opened up about his problems.
• "A dark cloud has developed inside of me, changing the way I see things," he said.

Cesare Prandelli, the head coach of Italian soccer team Fiorentina, resigned from his job on Tuesday with an emotional letter in which he opened up on his struggles with his mental health.

The 63-year-old, who took charge of the Serie A outfit for second time in November, cited a "dark cloud" inside him as reason for his resignation.

"This is the second time I've left Fiorentina. The first time was not my decision, but this time it is," said Prandelli in a letter posted to the club's website.

"In life, as well as the good times, there are also dark moments which can get on top of you. I have been going through a period of profound distress which is preventing me from being who I really am.

"I began this experience with joy and love, spurred on by the enthusiasm of the new owners. It's likely that my love for the city, and the memories of the great moments I've experienced here, made me blind to the early signs that something wasn't right inside."

-ACF Fiorentina English (@ACFFiorentinaEN) March 23, 2021

He continued: "Over the past few months, a dark cloud has developed inside of me, changing the way I see things. I came here to give 100%, but I now feel that this is no longer possible and therefore I have decided to step back for the good of everyone involved."

Prandelli, a former player for Juventus, has enjoyed a sparkling managerial career, having taken charge of some of Europe's biggest clubs, including AS Roma, Galatasaray, and Valencia.

He was also the head coach of the Italy national team between 2010 and 2014, during which time he guided it to the final of the 2012 European Championships, losing to Spain

"I'm aware that this could be the end of my career as a coach, but I have no regrets and don't wish to have any," Prandelli continued.

"The world I've been a part of for my whole life probably isn't right for me anymore - I no longer see myself in it. I've certainly changed, but the world is moving faster than I thought too. That's why I believe the time has come for me to stop being swept along, stop for a while and rediscover my true self once again."